Maryland Prostitution Attorney
Many people believe that prostitution is a victimless crime until someone is arrested. Then the person charged becomes the victim and can face life-changing consequences.
I am attorney Jim Crawford. For the past 18 years, I have defended people in Baltimore, Catonsville, Annapolis, Bel Air and throughout Maryland who faced prostitution-related charges, including:
- Street-level prostitution
- Escort service solicitation and prostitution
- Massage services offered by independent providers and agencies
- Agencies and businesses accused of offering sexual services by their employees or associates
I offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
What Are the Penalties for Prostitution and How Do Police Track This Crime?
In Maryland, pandering, solicitation and prostitution are misdemeanors, but can carry serious consequences in addition to potential jail, probation, fines and ramifications. The charges quickly become far more serious, however, when a minor is involved. Any prostitution conviction can lead to consequences such as public humiliation, loss of employment and divorce. If you are charged, your name, address and other information will appear in the "Maryland Judiciary," which is available to the general public on-line and also appears in Maryland court records.
Prostitution arrests often result from Internet and street sting operations. Undercover police officers posing as prostitutes lure would-be customers into situations where they can be charged with solicitation. An Internet chat room conversation with someone posing as a minor can quickly result in charges that would require lifetime sex offender registration, even if no sex is involved. In cases like these, it's important to talk to a defense lawyer before you attempt to explain your actions to police. Anything you say to police can be used as evidence against you.
Many counties in Maryland have set up vice units to monitor the Internet for sex solicitation. Websites such as Craigslist (which recently shut down much of its site involving sex because of pressure from police), Eros, City View, Big Doggie and many others are constantly being viewed and policed.
Our goal in a prostitution case is to resolve the charges quickly, quietly and without a permanent criminal record if possible. I can help you get through this issue with minimal exposure in many instances.
Contact Me
To protect your reputation and your family life, contact me, Annapolis and Baltimore prostitution and solicitation attorney Jim Crawford, before you talk to police or anyone else. I am available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and operate four offices for your convenience, including my main office in Baltimore as well as offices in Catonsville, Annapolis and Bel Air. To contact me, call 443-701-4525 or 866-635-0623.
